The publisher's final edited version of this article is available at Qual Health Res See other articles in PMC that cite the published article. Limited studies are available on the relationship between FSWs and gatekeepers.
In the current study we used an ethnographic approach to examine the dynamic and multidimensional relationship of FSWs and their gatekeepers from the perspectives of both parties.
We recruited 38 FSWs and 16 gatekeepers from different types of commercial sex venues in Guangxi, China, and conducted in-depth individual interviews. Our data suggest that FSWs and gatekeepers maintain an interdependent and reciprocal relationship during their business practice, but gatekeepers exert significant influence and control over FSWs.
Despite this recognition, studies examining FSWβgatekeeper relationships are limited. In the commercial sex industry, the word gatekeeper refers to individuals who manage sex workers. Commonly known as mommies, madams, managers, bosses, brothel owners, or pimps Yang et al. Gatekeepers are believed to be point personnel for these complex interactions, as they are not only the intermediaries of the sex trade but also protectors FSWs Kerrigan et al.
Studies have shown that the level of support for gatekeepers is significantly associated with the occupational safety of FSWs Yang et al. In China, commercial sex has experienced a resurgence since the early s, when China began its economic reforms. The potential of enormous financial benefits leads most local governments to be permissive or actually promote entertainment venues and personal service sectors that potentially provide sexual services. Few studies have provided an in-depth analysis of the dynamic interactions between FSWs and gatekeepers and the context of their relationship.
